The skin on your lips is highly sensitive and easily dries out. According to a 2015 survey by Carma Laboratories, about one-fifth of people experience chapped lips (via Drug Store News). Selecting a good lip restoration product can be challenging, especially if you’ve looked into the realities of what’s inside lip balm. Makeup artist Mary Winkenwerder advises careful consideration of lip balm ingredients. “Some lip balms contain ingredients that are not clean,” Winkenwerder stated (via SheFinds). She suggests steering clear of balms with problematic preservatives, petroleum, or parabens (learn more about why parabens are concerning).
Enter Kobee’s Lip Balm, crafted with just four ingredients and showcased on Shark Tank in 2024. Developed in a dorm room by young entrepreneur Kobe Harris, Kobee’s Lip Balm is a unique line designed to be eco-friendly, ethical, and effective. Before appearing on the show, Harris spent about four years establishing his brand. By his TV debut, he was already making sales but sought additional investment. However, he left the show without securing any funding.
An entrepreneur with instincts and confidence
During the episode, Harris presented his product, seeking $300,000 for a 6% stake in his company. He faced skepticism, including comments about the crowded lip balm market. (For context, the lip product market is projected to reach $4.3 billion in 2025 and grow to $7.1 billion by 2033.) Kevin O’Leary showed interest and offered $300,000 for 20% equity. Harris countered for 10% equity, and O’Leary offered 15%, which Harris declined.
Why did Harris hesitate? In a 2024 CNBC interview, he explained that he trusted his instincts, saying, “I know my business better than anybody.” Although it might seem unusual to refuse a funding offer, it didn’t spell the end for his business. Harris anticipated entering 2025 with nearly $4 million in sales, indicating that turning down O’Leary’s offer didn’t harm his company.
Social media and social responsibility: Kobee’s Lip Balm today
Currently, Kobee’s Lip Balm offers a variety of products on its website, including individual balms, bundles, and merchandise. Since 2024, the brand’s Instagram and TikTok accounts have featured content about their limited edition scents, like the fall collection of balms (including pumpkin spice) and four Valentine’s Day balms (such as irresistible raspberry rose). Many posts and videos include Harris himself, reflecting his active involvement in the brand.
In addition to promoting special flavors, the company’s lip balm range includes a stick with a natural sunscreen ingredient providing 15 SPF protection. Although this is less than the recommended 30 SPF for lip products, it still offers some protection (important since lips can unexpectedly develop skin cancer).
To further its commitment to environmental impact, Kobee’s Lip Balm launched “The Hive Project” in 2025. This initiative supports various eco-friendly and sustainable efforts, such as donating hives to 50 beekeeping associations and funding waterway cleanup organizations. It highlights the brand’s continued growth and impact, even without a Shark Tank investment.
